Retrieving Windows Serial Number

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Guest

Hello
I bought an HP pavilion with Windows XP Home pre-installed. Now I need to replace the hard drive. How do I retrieve the Windows serial number so I can install Windows XP

Thank
Larry
 
HP affixes the 25-character Windows XP Product Key sticker on the
right side of your Pavilion tower case.

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


| Hello,
| I bought an HP pavilion with Windows XP Home pre-installed. Now I need to replace the hard drive. How do I
retrieve the Windows serial number so I can install Windows XP?
|
| Thanks
| Larry
 
Larry;
there should be a sticker affixed to the side of the computer with the
Product Key.

As long as Windows XP has been reinstalled and the key on the sticker
used:
http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/repair_xp.htm
Near the bottom "View Product Key XP"

If Windows XP has not been reinstalled, you will see the key used by
HP for the factory load.
That key will probably not work for a reinstallation.

The key on the side of the computer probably will not work with a
different CD.

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


Larry Trinh said:
Hello,
I bought an HP pavilion with Windows XP Home pre-installed. Now I
Click to expand...
need to replace the hard drive. How do I retrieve the Windows serial
number so I can install Windows XP?
 
Greetings --

The Windows 25-character Product Key (required to perform the
installation) is stored on the CD packaging on a bright orange sticker
that says "Do not lose this number." If it was an OEM (factory
installed) license, it's stored on a label that the PC manufacturer
affixed to the exterior of the PC case, or on the bottom of a laptop.

To recover a lost Product Key:

If your system still runs, you should be able to use AIDA32
Enterprise from http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php to find the Product
Key. (If you have a factory-installed OEM license, and haven't since
reinstalled the OS, the revealed Product Key is probably of the drive
image used at the factory and not _your_ specific Product Key;
therefore, it probably cannot be -- and definitely should not be --
used for a re-installation.)

If it was a retail license and you have proof of purchase:

How to Replace Lost, Broken, or Missing Microsoft Software or Hardware
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;en-us;326246

If it was an OEM license, you should contact whomever sold you the
PC; although very few manufacturers/vendors keep records of the
Product Keys they've sold, it's worth a try before you have to buy a
new license.


Bruce Chambers

--
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